1. Exchange of Information
2. Characterization and Classification
3. Panels of Experts
4. Training and Extension
5. Pollution
6. Suggested Research Programmes
7. Utilization of Sandy Soils under Dryfarming Conditions
8. Regional Applied Research Programme for Land and Water Use on Sandy Soils
The Seminar, recognizing that sandy soils are extensive in the Near East and North Africa, feels that soil survey and estimation of the total area and its cultivable portions, based on the available information in each country, will help in evaluating the importance of these soils on factual bases and recommends that compilation of basic soil maps and available information on the effective use of these soils be carried out under the auspices of FAO and be disseminated among the countries of the region.
The Seminar realizing that, although the soil textural class names of the sandy soils are "sands" and "loamy sands", soils of the "sandy loam" class might suffer from similar problems, therefore recommends that:
a. "sandy loams" be considered for practical purposes as sandy soils;b. in the classification of these soils, the mineralogical constituents, e.g. calcium carbonate, gypsum, quartz, clays, etc. be taken into consideration; also that characteristics of hard pans be stated;
c. a sound land and water utilization programme of these soils be formulated on the basis of a sequence of land and water resources evaluation surveys (taking into account the environmental conditions) carried out on a suitable scale.
The Seminar feels that it is time to organize panels of experts under the auspices of FAO to study in an integrated manner, to set guidelines and to establish priorities on the different aspects, methods and practices of utilization of salt-affected, calcareous and sandy soils, as well as the efficient utilization of water under irrigated and rainfed agriculture.
The Seminar realizing that training and extension services in soil and water management and agronomic practices are critical issues in most of the region, recommends intensifying these aspects among extension workers as well as farmers.
Since sandy soils are pervious and usually receive excess amounts of water, the Seminar recommends that a study be directed toward factors involved in, and practices to avoid, pollution of the groundwater due to heavy fertilization, use of sewage water, application of asphalt and chemical sealants and grazing animals on these soils.
The Seminar recognizing the progress achieved in the techniques of sandy soil utilization, especially in the fields of (a) Soil and Water Conservation and Management, (b) Fertility, and (c) Irrigation and Drainage, recommends that a regional programme of research be carried out. A part of this programme might be directed toward a better understanding of the theoretical bases of the problems, and the other part should be applied research.
a. Soil and Water Conservation and Managementi. Sand dune stabilizationb. Fertility StudiesKnowing that sand dune encroachment is a continuous threat to adjacent agricultural lands, recognizing the beneficial effects of stabilization and afforestation of sand dunes and being aware of the recent developments in the use of petroleum, synthetic rubber and chemicals for stabilization of sands, the Seminar would like to recommend that, before investing heavily in the application of these materials as surface sealants, they should be tested under conditions for effectiveness, durability and economy in comparison to traditional methods, using dry vegetation or other techniques. More research should be carried out on the collection and selection of plant varieties most adapted to local conditions, especially forest species. Similarly, studies on the hydrological effects of afforestation should be considered.
ii. Erosion Control
Noting that sandy soils are susceptible to erosion and therefore erosion control measures not only save them from being degraded but also prevent them from being a menace to adjacent productive lands, it is recommended that the application of the best suited agronomical management practices be stressed. In this regard, the minimum tillage practice is worth evaluation,
iii. Mulching
The Seminar, recognizing that studies on mulching techniques, such as tillage, gravel placement, application of crop residues and plastic or cellophane covers, are lacking in the region, recommends the carrying out of studies on:
- depth and time of tillage;iv. Placement of barriers within the soil
- effectiveness of different crop residues, and other materials used in mulching;
- methods of application.The Seminar, being aware of the recent techniques of barrier placement in the soil and noting the limited application of these techniques in the region, recommends the initiation of studies and experiments in pilot areas on barriers of asphalt, organic manure and other materials with special emphasis on:
- susceptibility of barriered soils to salinity, especially when brackish water is used for irrigation;- comparison of this technique as a conservation measure for water and nutrients with that of irrigation by sprinkler and drip methods;
- economic evaluation, based, on cost of material and placement of the barrier and crop yields.
The Seminar being aware of the fertility problem of sandy soils and recognizing the impact that recent fertilization techniques could have on the development and utilization of these resources, recommends that research be directed toward:
i. movement, reactions and transformation of different fertilizer forms (including inorganic fertilizers) in the soil;c. Irrigation and Drainageii. techniques and forms of fertilizer application;
iii. developing a suitable system for soil fertility evaluation;
iv. interaction between fertilization and irrigation.
i. Water qualityRealizing that good quality water is getting scarcer and scarcer in the region, and low quality water is widely found, the Seminar recommends that more research be carried out on the use of saline, sewage and desalinated water which will ultimately lead to the establishment of criteria for safe, efficient and economic use of such waters on sandy soils. Particular attention should be given to carrying out experiments on the critical level of salts and their composition in irrigation water by different irrigation methods on different crops under specified climatic conditions using a wide range of application rates.
ii. Irrigation efficiences
Considering the role of irrigation efficiency in economizing in the use of scarce water resources and noting the high efficiency of newly developed techniques, the Seminar recommends carrying out:
a. trials on the methods of improving application efficiency of different irrigation methods taking into consideration the leaching requirements, land levelling and drainage aspects;iii. Integrated experimentsb. trials for the improvement of the conveyance efficiency of the irrigation system;
The Seminar recommends carrying out practical experiments at the field level on the relation between crop production and soil moisture regime as induced by irrigation and drainage under optimum conditions of crop varieties, fertilization, optimum salinity conditions and good farming operations.
iv. Drainage testing
The Seminar recommends the inclusion of sandy soils in studies on optimum combination of drainage material in relation to soil types and methods of installation of drain pipes.
v. Lining of canals
The Seminar recommends the undertaking of practical studies on the application of low-cost local material for canal lining.
vi. Control of algae and microflora in the irrigation system
The Seminar recommends carrying out studies to develop safe chemical methods of controlling algae and microflora in the different irrigation systems in order to avoid dangerous contamination of irrigation water and water losses.
The Seminar realizing that large areas of sandy soils in the region depend on rainfall, recommends that a programme of studies be directed toward the following points:
a. methods of water and soil conservation;
b. fertilization practices;
c. breeding plant varieties most adapted to such conditions, especially drought-resistant varieties.
The Seminar recognizing the vital importance of this regional programme for promoting improved land and water use on sandy soils in the countries of the region and noting that a decision has not been taken so far in support of this regional programme by the UNDP, the Seminar urges that immediate action be taken by the UNDP to expedite the early implementation of the regional programme's objectives.
It is further requested that coordination should be made between the applied research programme and other regional centres dealing with applied soil and water research.
